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If you are importing anything into the Port of Houston (or any sea port) please be advised CBP is increasing scrutiny of cargo and solid wood packing materials for pests.

Last November, Customs changed the penalty provisions for violations of shipments that do not comply with wood packaging material regulations. Wood packaging materials (WPM) are required to meet the “Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade”. The PDF of the regulations can be found here (last accessed July 13, 2018).

What is Wood Packaging Materials (WPM)?

-Hardwood or softwood packaging
-Created using glue, heat, pressure, or a combination of all three
-Used to support, protect or carry an item
-Examples include pallets, skids, containers and crates.

In other words, the definition is very broad – call our office if you want to verify your materials are considered “wood” packaging materials.

WPM violations include:

(1) markings not approved by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC);
(2) WPM not stamped in accordance with the ISPM 15 standard;
(3) WPM that is infested.

If there are any WPM violations, Customs will send you an Emergency Action Notification (EAN) and in most cases Customs will ask you to export the violating items.

If you receive an EAN for any WPM violations, contact customs attorney David Hsu at 832-896-6288 or by email at attorney.dave@yahoo.com.

Any Customs case involve pests or WPM are time sensitive and you have to act fast – do not hesitate to contact our office.